The Defence Headquarters on Friday acknowledged that Nigeria’s security challenges remain deeply concerning, even as troops intensified nationwide operations that led to the arrest of 57 suspected terrorists, the killing of 26 others, and the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims within one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, admitted that despite ongoing military gains across different theatres, the level of insecurity still falls short of public expectations.
Speaking at the weekly operational briefing in Abuja, Onoja said the Armed Forces were not indifferent to the fears of Nigerians, especially families affected by violent attacks and abductions.
“No level of operational success can fully compensate for the grief of those who have lost loved ones. We carry that grief with us, and it fuels our resolve,” he said.
According to him, between April 30 and May 7, 2026, coordinated military operations across the country led to the arrest of over 57 suspected terrorists, the neutralisation of 26 criminals, and the rescue of 35 kidnapped persons.
He disclosed that a major breakthrough was recorded in the North Central region, where troops stormed and dismantled two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Jos South.
During the raid, operatives of the Quick Reaction Force arrested five suspects allegedly caught in the act of producing weapons. Items recovered included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, several rifle components, and industrial tools used in arms production.
In another operation, Onoja said troops working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser intercepted a suspect along the Abaji–Kwali road in the Federal Capital Territory with 250 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a vehicle engine compartment.
He also confirmed the rescue of all remaining victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in April. The victims were reportedly found in a forest in Lokoja and immediately moved to a military medical facility for treatment and rehabilitation.
Reassuring citizens, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, pledged that the Armed Forces would sustain pressure on criminal networks until Nigerians could live without fear.
“We will not stand down until every Nigerian can live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land of their birth. This is our mandate and our promise,” he said through the Defence spokesperson.
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